The statement said the leaders “expressed their determination to increase military support to Ukraine, strengthen its air defence as a matter of urgent priority, enhance co-operation with its defence industry, and share relevant technologies, including through the anti-ballistic missile coalition”.

Scientists have uncovered evidence of a lost world buried beneath Egypt’s desert for more than 70 million years.

Researchers found 14 fossilized teeth that belonged to five now-extinct shark species, including one that may never before have been found in Africa.

The discovery brings the number of shark species identified in the area to at least seven.

It reveals that one of the driest places on Earth was once submerged beneath a warm tropical sea teeming with life.

The discovery was made on Egypt’s Abu-Tartur Plateau, a remote stretch of the Western Desert rich in phosphate deposits.

The teeth varied dramatically in shape: some were thin and needle-like, others were broad and serrated, and one specimen was curved.

Those differences suggest the sharks hunted different prey and occupied separate positions within the food chain.

Together with evidence of small fish, invertebrates and predatory marine reptiles, the fossils reveal a rich ecosystem that once thrived where only deserts exists today.

The team suggested that powerful ocean currents likely carried nutrient-rich water toward the surface, helping plankton and other small organisms thrive. 

That abundance of food supported an entire marine food chain, from small fish and invertebrates to medium-sized sharks and enormous predators. Marine reptiles also lived in parts of the region, according to the study published in the journal Cretaceous Research.

Some of the sharks typically lived closer to shore, while others preferred deeper waters. This suggests the fossils accumulated over time and came from several different parts of the ancient marine environment.

Overall, the findings reveal that the area was once a rich and highly productive ocean ecosystem during the Late Cretaceous period.

Abu-Tartur Plateau is a major limestone highland in the central Western Desert, located roughly 400 miles southwest of Cairo between the Kharga and Dakhla oases. 

It holds one of the region’s largest phosphate reserves, serving as a vital hub for Egypt’s mining and fertilizer industries.

The sharks lived during the Cretaceous period, between 145 and 66 million years ago, when the Earth was much hotter and more humid than it is today.

What is now Egypt was also a lush, tropical landscape, with portions of the country submerged beneath warm Tethys seawater that teemed with marine life.

Researchers recovered 14 fossilized teeth belonging to five now-extinct shark species, bringing the number known from the area to at least seven

By comparing the teeth with fossils found elsewhere in the world, the researchers led by Cairo University linked them to five extinct shark species: Cretalamna cf. maroccana, Scapanorhynchus cf. raphiodon, Serratolamna cf. serrata, Squalicorax bassanii and Squalicorax pristodontus.

None had previously been recorded at Abu-Tartur, while two, Serratolamna cf. serrata and Squalicorax bassanii, had never before been documented in Egypt.

But one discovery was particularly remarkable.

Scapanorhynchus cf. raphiodon, distinguished by its long, needle-like teeth, may be the first example of the species ever found in Africa.

Researchers said it could also be the youngest known specimen in the fossil record, as every other example discovered so far is significantly older.

Together, the five species reveal far more than the simple presence of sharks.

Their differently shaped teeth suggest they hunted separate prey and occupied distinct roles within a rich and complex marine ecosystem, rather than competing for the same food.

The team suggested that finding all seven species in the same phosphate-rich layer means their remains accumulated in a warm tropical or subtropical sea. 

The area was probably located along the outer continental shelf and the upper part of the slope leading into deeper water.

The sea also appeared to have been affected by active upwelling, a process in which currents carry cold, nutrient-rich water from the depths toward the surface. 

Those nutrients would have fueled the rapid growth of plankton and other tiny organisms, supporting a large and varied marine food web, according to researchers.

By HARRY BAMFORTH, LIVE SPORTS COVERAGE REPORTER

Updated: 19:19 BST, 24 August 2026

Successful trainer Michael Dods stages the annual open day as part of National Racehorse Week and the event gets more and more popular.

Visitors of all ages flocked to the Denton Hall stables, near Darlington, to enjoy getting up close to the horses.

Future jockey? Ralph, 4, tries out the equicizer horse simulator (Image: Peter Barron)

Star attraction was unbeaten two-year-old Arapaho Gold, owned by Darlington businessman Doug Graham. Winner of the prestigious Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes at the famous York Ebor Festival last week, Arapaho Gold is now one of the highest rated young horses in Europe.

Spectators were able to see horses going up the gallops and see a demonstration of the starting stalls. Other attractions included seeing farrier Danny Souter at work, a physio demonstration by Lee Clark, and horses in the equine spa and treadmill.

Farrier Danny Souter gives a demonstration (Image: Peter Barron)

There was also the chance for visitors to test their jockey skills by having a go on the ‘equicizer’ horse simulator.

And Michael Dods, Assistant Trainer, Chloe Dods, and Arapaho Gold’s owner, Doug Graham, took part in a question and answer session.

Michael Dods said: “We always do our best to support National Racehorse Week because it’s a chance to show the public how much is involved in running a racing yard, and how much care the horses receive.

“We’ve held the open day for a few days now and it seems to be getting busier every year. We pride ourselves on being a friendly, approachable yard and it’s always nice to see so many people showing an interest. Hopefully, they found their visit interesting.”

Watching the horses walk back from the gallops (Image: Peter Barron)

Anna Clayton, of Great British Horseracing, described the Denton Hall open day as a “great example” of trainers supporting National Racehorse Week”.

“It’s all about attracting families who might not necessarily be interested in racing, and giving them a fascinating insight into the sport,” said Anna.

“Lots of yards are opening to the public across the country and it’s lovely to see so many happy faces as young and old meet the stars of the sport.”

Zac, 10, and Mae, 12, get up close with Northern Express (Image: Peter Barron)

Des Scott, of Darlington, has been a fan of the sport since childhood but this was his first visit to a racing stable.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it,” he said. “Michael and his team have been wonderful in giving up their time and it’s been so interesting to see how much goes on behind the scenes.”

Fans meet retired racehorses Barney McGrew and Dakota Gold (Image: Peter Barron)

EastEnders spoilers follow for Monday’s (August 24) episode, which can now be streamed on BBC iPlayer. The episode in question will air at 7:30pm.

Denise Fox (Diane Parish) was put into a medically induced coma after a devastating update from doctors amid her cancer battle.

The show legend, as viewers know, was diagnosed in June with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a particularly aggressive form of blood cancer that requires urgent treatment.

She has undergone two rounds of intense chemotherapy thus far but sadly doctors informed her earlier this month that neither round have had the desired effect on her cancer.

A stem cell transplant is the next phase of treatment.

But while the residents of Walford gathered at the community centre to get tested to see if they’re a match, Denise faced more sad news as she was told that her infection had developed into sepsis and therefore she had to be taken into intensive care and put on a ventilator.

‘We need to put you into a medically induced coma,’ said the consultant. Denise was taken aback and asked if there was a possibility the sepsis could worsen while she was in a coma and that she might not wake up.

The doctor confirmed that there is the small possibility of such a thing but reiterated that her chance of survival is ‘greatly increased’ by the ventilation.

Denise and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) broke down as they attempted to process the news. Jack suggested going to get the kids but Denise was adamant that she couldn’t see them. ‘I can’t say goodbye’, she said through tears.

Later, Denise was taken to intensive care where doctors prepped her for sedation. In emotional scenes, Denise asked Jack to tell all her children that she loves them and discussed practical details including where her will was stored.

Jack held her hand tightly, telling her that he loves her as doctors sedated her.

Meanwhile, back in the Square, Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) had a huge breakthrough when she discovered via an ancestry website that Denise has a half-brother who prove to be a stem cell match.

Jack and Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) smiled through their tears when they were notified, desperately hoping that this unexpected update will be what they need to save Denise’s life.

Can they track down their long-lost relative? And if so, will he prove to be a match?

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

MORE: EastEnders’ Diane Parish admits ‘gruelling’ cancer story isolated her from fellow cast

MORE: All EastEnders spoilers for next week as Denise has hope at last after big breakthrough

MORE: Kim left aghast in EastEnders as Jack delivers bad news amid Denise emergency

Two police officers and five people within a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way down the A66 motorway were killed after the car collided with a marked police car around 03:30 BST on Saturday.

Using doorbell footage, pictures of the scene and police reports, we can now piece together exactly how this fatal incident unfolded.

We also know that four of the five people in the car had previous convictions. One of them, Makai Saddington, 18, previously pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer.

PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough were the two police officers who died in the crash.

The BBC’s UK correspondent Daniel Sandford explains what we know so far.

More on this story.

Around 9,700 solar panels, enough to power 16,300 homes, were installed across Yorkshire and the Humber in the first half of 2026 compared to 9,300 the year before.

The Reverend Canon Maggie Smith, Acting Dean of York, said 184 panels installed there last year showed tackling climate change and protecting heritage could go hand-in-hand.

York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith said Yorkshire was leading the way towards a future built on clean, home-grown energy.

Climate Transition Minister Katie White said the solar revolution happening this year was helping to bring bills down and tackle the climate crisis.

It comes as the Government minister visited York Minster last week to see its  array of 184 solar panels which covers about a third of its roof.

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The breaking of Yorkshire and Humber’s solar installation record comes as the region’s hottest June day was recorded when temperatures reached 34.4 degrees centigrade on Friday, June 26.

Yorkshire, along with the rest of the country, has seen droughts, heatwaves and wildfires caused by hot weather this summer.

It also comes after the Minster said fire safety was a priority for its array after a blaze believed to have been caused by panels gutted Malton hospital.

Revd Canon Smith said last year’s installation of panels showed how heritage, sustainability and community ambition could work together.

She said: “As one of the nation’s most significant historic landmarks, the Minster is very clearly demonstrating that tackling climate change and protecting shared heritage can be pursued side by side.

“Through this work, York Minster is continuing its leadership role in the city, helping to deliver a cleaner, greener and more resilient future rooted in partnership and committed to achieving net zero by 2035.”

Solar panels were installed on the roof of York Minster in 2025 (Image: York Minster (Chapter of York))

Labour Mayor Mr Skaith said thousands of families across Yorkshire were now benefitting from solar power.

The mayor said: “Solar power is helping to bring down their bills, build our county’s energy security, and put power back into the hands of local people.

“Through my Mayoral Renewables Fund, we’re backing our community buildings so they can tap into solar power and focus their resources on what they do best, bringing people together.”

Minister Ms White said solar power was the right choice for Britain.

The minster said: “”Solar power is increasingly becoming the right choice – from making bills more affordable to strengthening our energy security.”

San Francisco 49ers co-owner John ‘Jed’ York was arrested on suspicion of engaging in prostitution just weeks before the start of the NFL season.

York, 46, was arrested Sunday in East Palestine, Ohio and booked into Columbiana County Jail. He was released later that afternoon after paying a $5,000 bond.

York, whose legal name is John Edward York, pleaded no contest in Columbiana County Municipal Court on Monday after the state of Ohio amended the count of engaging in prostitution to a disorderly conduct charge.

The Niners CEO, who is also the co-owner of Premier League team Leeds United and Scottish powerhouses Rangers, was also convicted of one misdemeanor charge of possessing criminal tools. 

A judge sentenced York to one day in jail per each count, which were served concurrently. He was also ordered to pay a $150 fine under the disorderly conduct conviction and a $1,000 fine for possessing criminal tools. 

Records also show that York had a cellphone returned to him and that $160 that was seized was to be given to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force as part of the plea agreement. York also completed on online course. 

The NFL said in a statement: ‘We are aware of the matter which will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy.’ The Daily Mail has also contacted the 49ers and York’s attorney for comment. 

York, 46, was arrested Sunday in East Palestine, Ohio and booked into Columbiana County Jail

York is the son of Denise DeBartolo York and John York. They took control of the 49ers when DeBartolo’s brother, Eddie, was convicted in a gambling fraud scandal.

Eddie, who owned the 49ers during their 1980s-1990s dynasty, pleaded guilty in 1998 to failing to report a felony when he paid $400,000 to former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards in exchange for a riverboat gambling license.

DeBartolo, whose 49ers won five Super Bowls under his leadership, stepped down as owner in 1997 after two Louisiana newspapers reported he would be indicted for gambling fraud. 

He avoided prison, was fined $1 million and was suspended for a year by the NFL. But the episode effectively ended his NFL career. President Donald Trump pardoned him in February 2020.

Jed began working for his father in the early 2000s and was eventually named the franchise’s CEO in 2008. He then became principal owner in 2024 after acquiring enough of his mother’s stake.

During his tenure, the Niners have experienced great success having won five NFC West titles, advanced to seven NFC Championship Games and three Super Bowls, although the team has not won the NFL’s biggest prize since 1994.

York also oversaw the building of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The team moved from San Francisco to the new stadium in 2014. The stadium has hosted two Super Bowls, a World Cup and a College Football Playoff title game. 

York has been married to wife Danielle Belluomini since 2011. The couple share two sons, Jaxon and Brixton. 

In December 2018, York’s younger brother Anthony died at the age of 35.

York has been married to wife Danielle Belluomini since 2011 and they share two sons

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49ers coach Kyle Shanahan suffered a horror car crash during the team’s tough offseason

The 49ers play their play their first game against the LA Rams in Melbourne on September 19

It is the latest episode in what has been an offseason plagued with problems for the 49ers, who are expected to compete for a playoff spot again this season. They play their opening game against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne on September 10.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan was involved in a horror offseason car crash that left him unable to coach in training camp and with several serious injuries.

The July 14 incident has been shrouded in mystery, after the police refused to release an accident report or bodycam footage from the scene and officers initially blamed the other driver, only for Shanahan to take responsibility. 

He collided with a car driven by a 21-year-old woman in Palo Alto last month, saying it happened when he reached for his phone. 

The incident left Shanahan with a concussion, broken ribs, a broken nose, a broken hand and more than 40 stitches to close a cut over his eye. 

He also explained that he was driving at around 20mph with his Tesla in autopilot mode when the crash happened.

In autopilot mode, Tesla ‘matches the speed of your vehicle to that of the surrounding traffic’ and ‘assists in steering within a clearly marked lane, and uses traffic-aware cruise control.’

Shanahan was the only person who needed to be hospitalized and police didn’t issue him a ticket for the cellphone use. 

The west London rivals enter a new era as they wrap up the opening weekend of the new Premier League season on Monday night

Fulham play host to west London rivals Chelsea on Monday night as the opening weekend of the new Premier League season comes to a close at Craven Cottage.

It is the start of a new era for both sides, with former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Spain teammates Alvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso managing in the English top flight for the first time, having taken charge of the Cottagers and Blues respectively this summer.

With both sides looking to get off to a winning start this season, here’s how you can catch all the action live.

What time is Fulham v Chelsea kick-off?

Fulham take on Chelsea on Monday, August 24, with a kick-off time of 8pm at Craven Cottage.

Is the game on TV?

Yes, Sky Sports are showing this game.

Customers can tune into Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League from 6.30pm.

What about live streaming?

Viewers will be able to stream all the action from Craven Cottage via the Sky Go app.

Quotes corner

Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa: “I know how important this game is for our supporters. It’s also very important for everyone at the Club, for us, for players, for me.

“It’s the first game of the season, first game at Craven Cottage, so we are ready, we are excited, and of course we can’t wait for that game.

“I remember when I was a player, Craven Cottage was always a very difficult place to come. You can feel the supporters are really close to the pitch, and now I want to feel that special moment as Fulham Head Coach.

“For us, they will be very important if we want to win games at home. For sure, they are going to be so important for us.”

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso: “We’re all together as we begin this new season.The main thing for me is that we share the same targets and goals. We have the ambition to have a great year, but we don’t need to think about what might happen later in the season.

What we can control is what we do now, how we start the season and how we prepare for games. At the moment, our only focus is Fulham.

“The Premier League is challenging, and every game will be difficult. We’ll improve game by game.

“I’m sure the team that starts the Premier League will be better by November or December because everything takes time. It’s a process, but we feel we can make a good start—and that’s very important.”

At a club that buys players, sells players, loans players and changes head coach as often as they do, it can feel like the beginning of a new era almost every summer at Chelsea. And usually is. This year, more than any other during BlueCo’s ownership, it does feel as though we have arrived at the start of a new chapter.